01949nas a2200181   4500008004100000022001400041245006500055210006400120260004200184300001000226490000600236520140200242653002201644653002701666653001301693100002401706856003701730       2016                        eng d  a1927-032100aMobilizing Knowledge: The Evidence Gap for Assistive Devices0 aMobilizing Knowledge The Evidence Gap for Assistive Devices  aOttawabTalent First Networkc09/2016  a39-450 v63 aKnowledge mobilization can be hindered in healthcare technology settings where the pace of change outpaces the ability to perform high-quality research methodologies that provide timely knowledge to enable informed prescription and technology application to the end user. Although well-controlled research with appropriate sample sizes is needed, this approach must be balanced with other evidence sources to address the knowledge immediacy requirements. Using carbon-fibre ankle–foot orthoses (i.e., lower-limb braces that improve stability, alignment, and foot-to-ground placement) as a case study, various sources of assistive device evidence were explored for their contribution to the continuum of knowledge in this area. A basic level of knowledge exists, but the quality is insufficient to inform the physical rehabilitation community on selecting from the almost 70 different devices on the market and the expected clinical outcomes for a target population. A combination of enhanced single-participant reports should be considered as an important part of the knowledge continuum and essential for knowledge immediacy. This approach must also be expanded to national and multinational database initiatives that provide a better base from which to extract knowledge on assistive device performance and mobilize this knowledge to provide optimal care for people with physical disabilities.10aassistive devices10aknowledge mobilization10aorthosis1 aLemaire, Edward, D.  uhttp://timreview.ca/article/1018